Short Summary

In the Seychelles, there have been celebrations marking the country's second anniversary as a socialist republic.

Description

In the Seychelles, there have been celebrations marking the country's second anniversary as a socialist republic.

SYNOPSIS: The Capital, Victoria, sported festive decorations for Liberation Day on Tuesday (5 June) - a day of free ice creams for a schoolchildren and celebratory dinners for adults.

Crowds gathered at Victoria Stadium for the day's main events; a parade by civilian and military groups, an air display, and an anniversary address by President France Albert Rene.

The Seychelles has adopted a policy of non-alignment, but maintains a people's militia and an army. After reviewing the troops, President Rene said some of his people did not see the need for trained soldiers in the islands - but he claimed they were essential to defend the gains of the revolution. "We will continue to defend our independence," he said, "and our right to express our views without any external pressures."
President Rene came to power on 5 June, 1977 when he led an armed coup against the then Head of State, James Mancham, who was in London for a Commonwealth conference. Mancham's Seychelles Democratic Party (SDP) had favoured the integration of the colony within the United Kingdom. President Rene's Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP) demanded immediate independence.

The march towards a new socialist society had not proved easy, President Rene said. But he claimed that important gains in agriculture, education and health had been made during the past two years.

Equality for all Seychellois - including the women - had been one of the Republic's priorities. But the President noted, there had been difficulties in overcoming the country's legacy of a capitalist and unequal past.

The Seychelles are famous for their excellent climate, scenery and beaches. The Rene government is determined to expand the tourist potential of these advantages, but has laid down strict laws to govern the building of hotels and to protect the environment. For - says President Rene - the Seychelles' land area is small and therefore precious and the Seychellois have a firm commitment to creating their own society without outside interference.